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jumpy as she was about commitment. Tattoos were permanent, although they did fade with time. Still, Elle might not like the fact that he planned to carry a reminder of her forever, no matter how their relationship turned out.
    He stayed with her until she drifted off to sleep. Then he slipped out of bed, dressed quietly and left her room, locking the door behind him.
    As he started down the hall, he saw a woman walking in his direction. There was no escape. As they drew closer to each other, he recognized Amy, the bartender. He had no idea what time it was, but she’d probably just gotten off work and was going to her room.
    When they met, she smiled at him. “You look worried.”
    “I am worried. It’s obvious where I’ve been, and I don’t want the word to get out.”
    “I won’t rat on you, if that’s what you’re concerned about.”
    “I appreciate that.”
    “But after the introduction to your song tonight, followed by you and Elle leaving the bar together, I predict you won’t keep this liaison a secret very long.”
    Trey sighed. “I don’t want to embarrass her. Apparently she has this ironclad rule, and—”
    “It’s her rule, and she has the right to break it. I can’t speak for everyone, but I won’t tease her.”
    “Thanks. And, listen, I also want to thank you for asking Elle to help you behind the bar tonight. That turned out really well.”
    Amy laughed. “I can see that it did. FYI, your shirt is buttoned up wrong.”
    “Oh.” Trey glanced down and sure enough, she was right. But he couldn’t very well fix it right here in front of her. He’d do that after they parted ways. “Anyway, I hope you weren’t slammed with orders after we left.”
    “I wasn’t slammed with orders in the first place.” Amy’s smile widened. “I didn’t really need her help. I told her to get her butt down there so she could listen to a hot cowboy sing with the band.”
    “Really?”
    “Really. She loves her some good country music. I had no idea all this other stuff was going on with you two.”
    “Huh. So my music did have some effect on her.”
    “I’d guarantee it. Of course, you were having some effect on all the women in the room. Have you thought of doing anything with that gift?”
    “Nah. I love training horses. The life of a professional singer doesn’t appeal to me at all. Local stuff is all I care to do.”
    “Too bad. I know it’s competitive, but I think you could make it if you wanted to give it a try.”
    “That’s nice to hear, but it just doesn’t interest me.”
    “All righty, then. Guess I’ll be going off to bed. See you tomorrow.”
    “You bet. And thanks again.” Trey continued down the hall. So Elle was susceptible to his music, was she? That was a bonus he hadn’t counted on.
    Amy thought he should do something with his gift. Apparently, he already had. And he’d continue to use it to charm his angel until she figured out they had something special going on.
    * * *
    C ARRYING HER SKIS and poles in a zippered bag in one hand and two clipboards in the other, Elle walked out to the bunny hill a little before nine, the time appointed for the beginner lessons. She prided herself on always being on time, but this morning she’d been more motivated than usual.
    Jackson Hole had trotted out one of its famously perfect winter mornings. A cobalt sky arched over pine forests crisscrossed with ski runs. Sunlight turned the snow into a rhinestone-studded carpet.
    Elle couldn’t imagine a more beautiful setting than this one. She’d bounced out of bed with the kind of energy she’d had as a kid. Breakfast had tasted like gourmet fare, even though it was her usual yogurt and fruit combined with strong coffee.
    She had plenty of reservations about letting Trey into her life, but for the short term, he’d made her feel as if she’d spent a day at the spa. Her body hummed with awareness knowing she’d see him very soon.
    She was already planning ahead, looking for